Ploussard Review - Clapham - London - The Infatuation
"Ploussard is where you take people who think they don’t like small plates and Clapham. Like a beige, unbranded, cashmere sweater, Ploussard’s modern European dishes sound quite basic on paper, but don’t be fooled. This food is quietly confident, while still going big on sustenance and flavour. Plus, there are surprisingly few loafers on show. Eating here is the closest we’ve come to channelling Gwyneth Paltrow levels of chicness, and for that we love Ploussard. If money talks and wealth whispers, Ploussard is barely audible. It’s all wood panelling, concrete floors, and artfully tousled linen napkins. The staff aren’t the type to start telling you (unprompted) about the weekend DJ set they’re doing. They’re just friendly and helpful. It’s the perfect setting for suspicious glances to be exchanged over Cape Wrath oysters and a jealous lover to eat their burnt bay custard tart a little too seductively. If you don’t want to feel like a cast member in a glamorous whodunit film, skip the booths and tables for two, and book the window counter seats instead. It’s much more laid-back and makes sense for a quicker, more casual meal. Plus, there’s nothing quite like criticising people’s cycling skills at the busy junction outside, while you slot crispy squid ink crackers loaded with smoked cod's roe into your mouth. The best plates of food are heavy on fat—a wet garlic and goats' curd dish that’s an elite aioli, and oily focaccia served with smooth burnt onion butter. Order many of the tender lamb and salty anchovy-topped crumpets, and wonder why you’ve been stopping at butter all these years. Bringing people—a date, your parents, your best frenemies—to this chic spot is a statement of intent that you have your life together. " - Sinéad Cranna
